Physics is often thought of as a purely objective science where gender and society don't matter. An equation doesn't have a gender and whether its solution is right or wrong doesn't depend on the gender of the student who is solving it. Prof. Brage challenged this idea. In the beginning of his talk he demonstrated how gender-based stereotypes affect the way we talk about science, how we name things as well as what metaphors and models we use. He gave examples how a physics book or even great physicists themselves can be sexist and how the very idea why we do physics is intertwined with gender and society.
He gave suggestions and examples how institutions could change but also what can be done on an individual level, starting by learning and talking about these topics. Therefore his talk included a lot of research results, book recommendations and other resources.
So if you are curious what the "Good Trick" or the "Positivistic Paradox in Science" is, visit Tomas Brage's website and contact us under womenphysicsorganizers@listen.uni-bonn.de. We would be happy to share the slides of the talk with whoever is interested!